Loose Change (1978)

Loose Change Poster

Three girlfriends -- an author, an artist, and a political activist -- mature and change during the turbulent 1960s.

Overview
Loose Change is a tv mini-series produced in 1978 by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). This movie is a powerful representation of the changes in American society during three vital years - 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Crafted by Linda Bergman and directed by Glenn Jordan, the movie has actually been oblivious to modern audiences due to unavailability in VHS, DVD, or online services.

Plot Summary
The story of Loose Change revolves around 3 females - Sara Moline, Amy Hightower, and Lily Morelli - advancing from young the adult years to maturity in between World War II and the Vietnam War age. In their journey, the movie highlights the significant political and social transformations of their time, primarily around LSD, challengers of the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, McCarthyism, and the changing gender functions.

Sara, played by Cristina Raines, is illustrated as a small-town girl who transfers to New York City and struggles her method into the publishing industry. Amy (Season Hubley), is the child of a Texas oil tycoon, conflicted between her rich upbringing and her apparently radical beliefs. The function of Lily (Amy Madigan) is that of a working-class Italian lady who ultimately becomes a fearless woman defying her standard family expectations.

Characters and Performances
The characters are presented as representatives of the ladies of their time, each challenging social standards. Cristina Raines' Sara is good in addition to Season Hubley's portrayal of Amy showcasing her transformation from a privileged background to a politically charged lady. Amy Madigan's function even more highlights the struggles of females operating in a male-dominated world.

Societal and Political Undercurrents
Loose Change also tells the major socio-political events taking place around the characters. The movie uses historic events like the increase of feminism, anti-segregation motions, and criticism of the Vietnam War as plot devices to stress on the tumultuous times the lead characters navigate through.

The series draws parallels in between the characters' individual transformations and the social modifications around them. It also incorporates referrals to real-world occasions and figures like Bayard Rustin and Martin Luther King Jr., giving authenticity to its historical background.

Vital Reception
Upon its release, Loose Change got blended evaluations. Some critics appreciated the lead performances and the film's tackling of important social issues, although with a note of disappointment about the lack of accurate historical references. The series was likewise criticized for oversimplifying the complex transitional age and the detailed ladies's lives it aims to portray.

Legacy and Significance
In spite of all its drawbacks, one can not ignore the movie's significance as a historical product of the late '70s, reflecting the time's idea procedure and ideological obstacles. Its portrayal of evolving gender roles, racial tensions, and political unrest is still appropriate and relatable.

In spite of its unavailability on modern-day digital platforms, this series holds a special location in cinematic history for its courage to represent the women-led story during the critical times of change.

Top Cast

  • Cristina Raines (small)
    Cristina Raines
    Kate Evans
  • Season Hubley (small)
    Season Hubley
    Tanya Berenson
  • Laurie Heineman (small)
    Laurie Heineman
    Jenny Reston
  • Theodore Bikel (small)
    Theodore Bikel
    Tom Feiffer
  • Guy Boyd (small)
    Guy Boyd
    Rob Kagan
  • John Getz (small)
    John Getz
    John Campbell
  • Gregg Henry (small)
    Gregg Henry
    Hank Okrun
  • June Lockhart (small)
    June Lockhart
    Irene Evans
  • Stephen Macht (small)
    Stephen Macht
    Peter Lane
  • Ben Masters (small)
    Ben Masters
    Joe Norman
  • Joshua Shelley (small)
    Joshua Shelley
    Sol Berenson